MEDIA CONTACT:
Deja Dowdell
850-436-5669
ddowdell@cityofpensacola.com
The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department is scheduled to host its inaugural Pensacola Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Festival, OAR Fest, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at Bayview Park located at 2001 E. Lloyd St. in Pensacola.
Guests will be invited to participate in free kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and rowing instructional demonstrations at the event. The mission of the OAR Fest is to showcase paddling and outdoor opportunities within the Pensacola Bay area and provide environmental education that ensures these recreational opportunities will be available to Pensacola citizens and visitors for generations to come. The festival will also offer opportunities for both veteran paddlers and those interested in trying the sport for the first time to participate in a competitive and fun paddling race. Paddlers interested in racing may register online at
OARFest.com.
Local vendors will be onsite to showcase outdoor recreational opportunities, outdoor gear, and promote environmental stewardship and education. Concessions from local food truck vendors will be available for purchase.
Local businesses that offer outdoor recreation, health and fitness, and environmental stewardship programming or education are encouraged to apply to become a vendor, while spaces are available. Vendor registration is free for any vendor who provides free information, instruction, activities or services to the public. Interested vendors may contact Paul Pipes at 850-436-5692 or
ppipes@cityofpensacola.com for vendor information and registration. Individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring the OAR Fest may contact Shawn Brown at 850-433-0750 or
sbrown@visitpensacola.com.
The OAR Fest is made possible thanks to the generous support of
Beck Partners,
Clark Partington Attorneys at Law, the
Florida Paddling Trails Association, and
Paddle the Gulf. The festival will be hosted by the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with
Florida Sea Grant, the
Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program,
Pensacola Rowing Club, the
University of Florida IFAS Extension Escambia County and
Visit Pensacola.
The OAR Fest is an outdoor event that will follow
enacted COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols. To learn more about the OAR Fest, visit
OARFest.com.
For more information about City of Pensacola parks, playgrounds and locations, visit
PlayPensacola.com or contact the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department at 850-436-5670.
